That’s the forecast for the Detroit Tigers’ offseason, which will be high on minor-league signings and waiver claims, but low on excitement.

Sure, the Tigers will sign a few major-league free agents, but those players won’t move the needle much.

This week’s GM meetings provided little clarity on the Tigers’ offseason, with the trade market not fully formed and general manager Al Avila and his team meeting with agents for players who will not make headlines.

I’d expect the Tigers can return to contention form in two seasons, so 2021. That would put the rebuilding process at a reasonable four years, with most of their top prospects on the cusp of or already in the big leagues. It could be that offseason when the team starts spending aggressively again, aiding their young players with free agents. But make no mistake, the days of $200 million payrolls are over. The Tigers are going through this tough process so they can build a sustainable roster that isn’t dependent on overspending in free agency. Two more years, further boosting the farm system and watching their top prospects develop, and they should be ready to turn the corner.

Reading between the lines, I think the Tigers are going to non-tender James McCann. Avila indicated the team had yet to make a decision, but the emergence of Grayson Greiner has provided them with a more affordable — and developmental — option behind the plate. I still think it’s somewhat of a risk: For as disappointing as McCann may have been the past couple of seasons, he’s still dependable and a worthy major league catcher. Is he a starting catcher? For a competitive team? Not without an uptick in play. But for the Tigers? Yes. If McCann is non-tendered, the team will go with Greiner and John Hicks behind the plate, and sign catching depth.

With the news the Indians are trying to pare payroll, do you think the Tigers will shift course slightly and sign a couple impact free agents? Not top names like Machado, Harper, Keuchel, etc. But maybe Donaldson, Lemahieu or McCutchen

Nope. The Tigers are committed to doing this rebuilding thoroughly, and they’re going to resist any temptation to push forward faster based on their division rivals. The Indians will lose a few key players and still be in the driver’s seat in the American League Central Division. It’s that bad. But I think the White Sox are sensing an opportunity — they were everywhere at the GM Meetings — and their rebuilding process could turn around as soon as this year. The best the Tigers will do is if the value for one of those players completely craters. Still, the Tigers won’t be the first, second or third choice because veteran players want to win.

Could Kinsler come back next year on a one year contract? Seems to be a number of other second basemen avalible, Kinsler could be a candidate for a 1 year contract with his age and performance last year.

In theory, yes, but after winning the World Series with the Red Sox, Ian Kinsler probably has too fresh of a taste of winning in his mouth to join a rebuilding team. Though he declined a bit this season — he’s 36 years old — Kinsler can still contribute to a championship team, as evident by his AL Gold Glove Award. His market will be interesting to watch, but I wouldn’t expect the Tigers to be a part of it except as an emergency option.

Who are the top 3 pitching prospects and top 3 position players in the farm system as of this moment? And are any of them a potential superstar on the order of Verlander or Miggy?

Top three pitching prospects: Casey Mize, Matt Manning and I’m going to throw Spencer Turnbull in there. One veteran pitching scout said Turnbull has the best stuff on the Tigers’ staff, save for a healthy Michael Fulmer.

Top three hitting prospects: Isaac Paredes, Daz Cameron and Willi Castro (Paredes has far and away the most hitting skill). Youngster Wenceel Perez, just 18 years old, also needs to be mentioned in the next wave.

None of them have proven enough to be mentioned in the same breath as a Justin Verlander or Miguel Cabrera, who are future Hall of Fame players.

Posted!

A link has been posted to your Facebook feed.

A look at at Comerica Park with the grass stripped off the field on Oct. 23, 2018. Over the next 10 days, crews prepped and resodded the field, often working in the rain. These photos are taken from Broderick Tower.
Randy Essex Detroit Free Press